Northern officers sidelined, Gerari orders investigation

Six policemen in Northern have been suspended for allegedly drink driving in an official vehicle and losing a firearm during the general election period. Provincial police commander Lincoln Gerari told The National that he would not tolerate the alleged actions of the policemen. He said five of the officers were reportedly drink driving in the police vehicle. Gerari said the other officer was reportedly drinking at the Chimbu compound in Popondetta where he lost the firearm. “We’ve always had problems with vehicles and yet we cannot appreciate what the Government assists us with,” he said. “I have suspended all six police officers and pending an investigation, appropriate action will be taken.” Meanwhile, Gerari has thanked people in the province for a peaceful election period. He said it was a “110 per cent performance” by his officers and their colleagues in the Correctional Services. Gerari said despite the criticisms, they performed well during the election period. “We received a lot of negativity and criticism, even to the extent of calling for my sacking over many allegations that followed but that did not deter us,” Gerari said. “We planned our operations and we executed them extremely well. “I commend all my officers and their counterparts for a job well done, and the people of Northern for maintaining peace during the election period.”